Chinese Thai Chicken

Photo: flickr user avlxyz

Ingredients

1 pound thin mein (chinese noodles)

3/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup peanut oil

2 cups mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1/4 cup Chinese sesame oil

2 whole chicken breasts (use 3 if sm.)

6 scallions (green onions) thinly sliced

2 carrots (peeled and coarsely chopped)

1 (8 oz.) can sliced bamboo shoots (drained)

1 (8 oz.) can straw mushrooms (drained)

1 (6 oz.) jar miniature corn on the cob (drained and thinly sliced)

1/2 cup fresh coriander (chopped)

1/2 pound fresh snowpeas, blanched and thinly sliced

Chili oil

Sesame seeds, toasted

Preparation

(May be an appetizer or main dish. Should be made the day before serving. Serves 6 as main course; 20 to 25 as appetizer.)

1. Poach chicken. Remove skin and bones. Cut into bite size pieces.

2. Cook noodles in 4 quarts boiling, salted water until al dente. Drain and toss in a large bowl with 1/2 cup soy sauce and then peanut oil. Cool to room temperature, tossing frequently to coat thoroughly. Cut into 1 to 2 inch strands.

3. Combine mayonnaise with mustard, sesame oil and remaining 1/4 cup soy sauce and chili oil to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use.

4. Mix chicken, bamboo shoots, scallions, carrots, straw mushrooms, corn and coriander with noodles. Mix thoroughly, adding mayonnaise mixture. Chill (preferably overnight).

5. About 30 minutes before serving, add snowpeas and mix well. Taste, as noodles soak up sauce and it may be necessary to add more soy sauce and chili oil. Garnish with coriander and toasted sesame seeds.

Serve cold.